Last week we looked at some neglected girls’ namesake names, now it’s the boys’ turn as we seek some equally distinctive names from American history and culture, names that could provide unique-ish options with interesting back-stories. What’s especially evident here is how many of the unusual boys’ names are mothers’ maiden names that started out in the middle but were switched by their sons into first place.

AdlaiStevenson—There were three noted generational bearers of this name– their combined accomplishments: one vice president, two senators, one governor, a two-time presidential nominee, and an ambassador to the UN.

AlpheusHyatt was the founder of the Marine Biological Lab at Woods Hole; his namesake AlpheusHyattVerrill invented the autochrome natural color photography process, and there have been two Alpheuses in the U.S. Senate.

AtleeBurpee(full name WashingtonAtlee but always called by his middle) was creator the world’s largest mail-order seed house.